I therefore bear with every thing for the sake of the converts, that they may obtain that salvation, which Jesus Christ has procur'd us, even eternal glory.

discountenance such as hold vain irreligious discourse; for they will grow bold in impiety,

they have deserted the faith themselves, and debauch'd the faith of others, by maintaining, "the resurrection is already past."

decline all impertinent barren disputes, since they only serve for contention.

and so they may rouze out of the snare of the devil, who leads them captive at his discretion.

of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such.

Of this number are they, who insinuate themselves into families, to make a prey of the weaker sex, who are inveigled by their vitious suggestions, abetted by their own subtle passions,

and by lending an assiduous ear to such lessons, render it impossible they should ever be acquainted with the truth.

but they will be stop'd in their career; for they shall be expos'd to the world for impostors, as those magicians were.

as for these impious impostors, they will go on from bad to worse, seducing others, and deluding themselves.

for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery:

which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables.